'The Sabres (15-24-7-3) weren't in anywhere near as pleasant a mood afterward, as Coach Lindy Ruff ripped his squad for a lackluster effort. Buffalo had posted shutouts in three of its previous four games and had gone 5-0-2-1 in its past eight outings.'

'The league granted another extension last week to Mark Hamister, who leads a group trying to assume control of the Sabres. Hamister is offering $33 million in cash and assumption of $7 million in debt to buy a team that was recently valued by Forbes magazine at $92 million. If McKee and two teammates are not paid money due them, they can file a grievance and seek free agency. "It's not something I want to do right now," McKee said. "Down the road, if it looks like the money isn't going to be given to us, that might be the only option."'

'"This was our first real bonehead game," coach Lindy Ruff said. "I don't know how long I have to go back. There was no energy. I think this is a real good wakeup call. It's a step back. It was unacceptable and ugly. They didn't hit anybody, they did not get involved or enganged. I think for two periods we didn't win an offensive zone faceoff. It was a poor, poor effort."'

'After a scoreless first period, Alfredsson ended Biron's bid for a fourth consecutive shutout 54 seconds into the second period. Biron's shutout streak ended at 221 minutes 58 seconds. But rather than deflate the Sabres, the goal seemed to inspire them.'

'Perhaps there's something in the water in Rosemère, Quebec, which produces spellbinding goaltending. Just ask Patrick Lalime of the Ottawa Senators, Martin Biron of the Buffalo Sabres or J.S. Giguère of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. The three goaltenders have joined exclusive company by posting three consecutive shutouts during the past six weeks.'